Some places are so extraordinary that photos and words fail to capture their beauty. Machu Picchu, in the Andes Mountains near Cusco, is one of those places.

 

On a recent visit to Peru, I hiked steep stone steps to explore this magical Inca sanctuary. While this ancient mountain citadel was an unforgettable highlight of my experience, exploring the surrounding Sacred Valley of the Incas offered much more to see and do.

 

The bustling modern city of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, pairs captivating history with distinctive hotels, memorable meals, and adventures worth sharing. Alongside my friend Ginger, I hiked to Machu Picchu’s glorious Sun Gate. We also made time to slow down and enjoy local culture.

 

A few standout moments included:

 

Exploring Cusco’s Historic Center: Spanish colonial architecture stands directly atop ancient Inca stone foundations;

 

Wandering the Sacred Valley: Just outside the city, we visited timeless archaeological sites, traditional villages, and dramatic Andean landscapes.

 

Savoring local flavors and culture: We sampled traditional Peruvian specialties ranging from fresh ceviche to warm, savory empanadas from street-food vendors. Between bites, we toured historic churches, met talented local women artisans, and relaxed in eclectic boutique hotels.

 

To read more, please click this link to my story on SheBuysTravel.